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unisex name · English origin

River

/ RIV-er /
Unisex English 2 syllables
Meaning
River means A flowing river (English).
Gender
Unisex
Origin
English
Pronunciation
RIV-er
Popularity
#111 boys · #220 girls (U.S. 2025)
Popularity of River in the US, 1880–2025
198020002020

River first appears in US records in 1971. It peaked in 2021, when 3,504 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 3,139.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

What does River mean?

River is a modern English nature name taken directly from the word for a flowing body of water.

Names like River

Frequently asked questions

What does the name River mean?

River means A flowing river. River is a modern English nature name taken directly from the word for a flowing body of water.

What is the origin of the name River?

River is of English origin.

How do you pronounce River?

River is pronounced “RIV-er.”

Is River a boy or a girl name?

River is most commonly used as a unisex name.

How popular is the name River?

In 2025, River ranked #111 among boys’ and #220 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name River most popular?

River was most popular in 2021, when about 3,504 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.